Guidance and duas needed.

[Jan]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Firstly if I introduce myself, I'm Jan and as you can see I am new to this site. I came across it in a google search and thought I could ask for your help in a few things - Being new to the site I was not sure which discussion group this thread would fall in to!

I have been brought up as a muslim but unfotunately not a practising one, not my parents fault at all because they are practising its just never interested me. I have always lived my life as my life but abide by my parents rules as I live at home.

I have been a very bad person. Made many mistakes and one recent mistake made me lose my job. I have got in a lot of trouble for it but it's my own fault for making a clearly obvious mistake.

This mistake made me turn to Allah (swt) I was never a 5 times prayer person. I'd read one here and one there but recently I have been praying my 5 times prayers and on time (mashaAllah). This mistake has brought me closer to my faith and most importantly Allah (swt).

The reason i'm here is for a few reasons:

1) I have no knowledge on Islam, not even the basics and I want to learn and follow. Do you reccommend any good books, websites or people on here that can help me learn? I respect the Qur'an is the best guidebook out there but I am in the process of looking for one with modern English translations so it is easy for me to understand.

2) I am still in a bit of trouble and was wondering if you could advise me on any duas, surahs or anything else you can think of to help me. (All duas would be greatly appreciated in my time of need)

3) I would like to make friends with fellow muslim brothers and sisters who are wiser than me who can help guide me on the straight path.

Well thats me, my introduction and my problems. All comments/ advice and telling off would be greatly appreciated.

Jazakallah Khair,

Jan